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04/08/2016 12:00 AMOnce again, sweet water anglers will be out in force, straddling the rivers and streams, hoping their efforts during the previous days will pay off. Opening day of trout season is one of the great traditions that has withstood the test of time. From the simplest gear made from a tree branch and some sort of fishing line, hook, and weight to today’s hi-tech ultra-lite rods and reels, the only thing that hasn’t changed much are the trout. Sure, there are hybrids and different strains of trout that have been developed, but the basic rainbow, brook, and brown trout are the same fighters as yesteryear. They still eat smaller fish, many forms of bugs, and, yes, a barrage of artificial baits and lures created for today’s fishers.
The only seasons back then were determined by the weather and not set forth by regulations. Somewhere along the line, fishing for trout became popular. In 1923, the Burlington State Fish Hatchery opened and, one year later, the first Connecticut fishing license was sold. Fourteen years later, in 1938, our first streams were stocked for opening day of trout season. The rest is history.
As the season begins to ramp up, anglers throughout the state will converge on all the stocked waterways, seeking their daily catch limit of fish. Some will venture out just for the sport of it and engage in the art of catch and release. There will be the breeder braggers and the ones who came up short, wanting to know where the fish were.
Then there will be the younger set like Codi and Bubba who, in the past, just enjoyed life to the fullest, even sometimes on the edge, as long there was a fishing hook involved. Water, fish, mud, laughter, and a little boyhood mischief brought these two friends together in a playful and unassuming way. May the younger generation always have the opportunity to experience their love of fishing. Always rest in peace, my friends.
On the Water
April arrived in true fashion with a touch of spring and a slap of winter, just in case one was getting too complacent. Before air temperatures dipped into the frosty range, it was T-shirt and light jacket weather. Long Island Sound climbed to 48 degrees, wind-driven waves reached four to eight feet, and we received more rain and a touch of snow.
April 1 marked the opening of blackfish (tautog) and winter flounder season. Weather wise, it was a fair opening with some catches of blackbacks made in the coves and harbor channels, although wind made it quite difficult to hold ground. Those who connected did so with sea worms, clams, and chum. ‘Togs, on the other hand, mostly remained in their deeper haunts, while conditions once again kept most ‘tog pullers at bay. We need a few more clicks in the water temps to really fire up the walls and turn on the crab bite.
Atlantic menhaden, both peanuts and adults, are flourishing in the Sound and its tributaries. This, along with the spring run of river herring, shad, and the warming water temps continues to enhance the striped bass action. The night bite in key main rivers has been good. However, daytimers catching the right tide are connecting with their share of schoolies running in the lower tidals, along beaches, and in the lesser rivers. Sea worms, jigs, soft plastics, and swimmers are the baits of choice.
Largemouth bass continue their aggressive bite on live shiners, jigs, spinner baits, and cranks both in the lakes and rivers. Bronzebacks are not far behind, but are needing more coaxing and a lot of searching out before a pattern can be set. Once that’s been discovered, the reward is well worth it. Since lake pickerel have also been active, don’t be surprised if one attacks your bait.
Meanwhile, most rivers and streams got their fill of water unless dams or obstructions didn’t release it to the lower sections. With opening day of trout season on Saturday, April 9, conditions are shaping up for a much-better event than last year. Even with the mild winter, it would be best to scout out your stretch of water to avoid sections that have been obstructed by felled trees and branches.
Leading to opening day this week, several rivers received a load of trout in the Trout Management Areas, drawing out early mini-crowds of anglers. Those stockings also alerted the returning ospreys and nesting eagles, upping the ante, as well as the competition for catching fish. Interest is up and this opening day could prove to be the best one in the past couple of years—a little chilly start, but warming.
Trout Contest
The deadline to register for our annual Codi and Bubba Opening Day Memorial Trout Contest is Saturday, April 9 at 6 a.m. There will be prizes for the three heaviest trout caught anywhere and weighed in at Captain Morgan’s, along with drawings for all non-winning contestants. Fishers under 12 years of age fish free with a registered adult. This may be your year to see your picture in print and on social media. Support a good cause. Let’s get it on!
Note: Email us pics of your catches to share with our USA and international fishing friends who frequent social media and follow our columns to keep up with the latest fishing news.
For all things fishy including permits, swing by the shop (203-245-8665) open seven days located at 21 Boston Post Road, Madison. Until next time from your Connecticut shoreline’s full-service fishing outfitter, where we don’t make the fisherman, we make the fisherman better...
Tight Lines,
Captain Morgan
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